Chapter 287 – Two Kings

The airship advanced toward Termwills as they watched the sea dyed in twilight colors.

Though they were drawing attention from people traveling along the roads… well, it was probably best to accept it as having the effect of promoting friendly relations between Verdugal and Silvatoria.

Waving from the deck to show the gaping, wide-eyed people that they meant no harm, they continued on while casually brushing off the attention until the sun eventually set.

Soon, night fell completely—but they didn’t lose their direction. In the distance, they could already see lights twinkling here and there on the soaring spires of Theoreme Castle, Termwills’ royal castle.

“Oh… so that’s Theoreme. Its majesty surpasses what I’ve heard.”

“…It’s wonderful. I hear it was created by the labyrinth?”

“So it seems. Indeed… it would be somewhat impossible to build on this scale through normal construction, or even through magic construction.”

Using night vision magic to look at Theoreme, Old Sigmund and Valentina exchanged words.

“It appears certain that the labyrinth side created it. Since demons are involved, I believe we’ll need to discuss that aspect after arriving in Termwills,” said Princess Stephania.

Claudia herself neither denied nor affirmed this, quietly closing her eyes.

As they continued toward Termwills, they saw the Wyvern Corps flying toward them from the Termwills side.

They had contacted Termwills via communication device, so they assumed this was their welcoming party, but to confirm and avoid confusion, I decided to go ahead to meet the Wyvern Corps.

“I’ll go ahead and speak with them. Would you mind taking over for a bit?”

“Hmm.”

After having Old Sigmund take over piloting, I rode Lindwurm ahead of the airship.

The ones riding wyverns toward us were—Chester and his group.

“Theodore-dono. Have you returned?”

“Yes, Sir Chester. As communicated, His Majesty Eberhart and Her Highness Adriana are aboard as well.”

“Understood. We have been ordered to escort you to Termwills.”

I returned and informed them that the Termwills Wyvern Corps would provide escort.

Shortly after, Chester landed on the deck as the Wyvern Corps representative and bowed to King Eberhart.

“I am Chester Glenbel of the Veldgar Kingdom Knights Wyvern Corps. Having heard of Your Majesty Eberhart’s visit, I have come to pay my respects.”

After bowing and introducing himself, he offered to provide ship escort and guidance until their arrival in Termwills. King Eberhart’s expression softened at his words.

“Your service is appreciated. Then I leave it to you, Sir Chester.”

“Yes, it’s an honor.”

“To have the escort of the renowned Wyvern Corps of Verdugal is quite magnificent.”

“You flatter me.”

With that, Chester mounted his wyvern and soared up. The Wyvern Corps formed up around the ship front, back, left, and right, and they proceeded toward Termwills.

Meanwhile, we checked our luggage, hitched the dragon palanquin and wyverns, and made other preparations for landing.

The Wyvern Corps members all seemed to have brought night vision magic tools for night flying.

Though this was probably their first time escorting an airship, since we had notified them in advance of our arrival by ship, they might have trained for it. They guided the ship with flawless formation flying.

Passing over the waiting line of people who were looking at them and making a commotion, they crossed the outer wall, flew over Termwills’ cityscape—and headed straight for the royal castle.

“Do you see the training grounds used as a parade square? Please dock there.”

“Hmm. Understood.”

Old Sigmund nodded.

The training grounds near the Knight’s Tower seemed convenient for docking the airship. Bonfires were lit on the training grounds, making the landing spot visible almost like an airport. They were guided toward it. The sails were furled, and the ship descended.

They dropped anchor to secure the ship. The gangplank was lowered, and they disembarked from the ship onto the training grounds.

It was a familiar place. I soaked in the feeling of having returned. The wyverns that had traveled with us from Termwills were also returning after some time. The dragon palanquin was lowered from the deck, and their gear was removed. When the dragon stable keepers came to greet them, they happily snorted and approached. Only Lindwurm remained aloof toward the keepers, but he seemed to be in good spirits.

“You’ve worked hard during the journey. See you tomorrow.”

I spoke to Lindwurm. He looked back over his shoulder, let out one cry, and returned to the dragon stable. Hmm.

“Oh, Melvin.”

“Eberhart. It’s been a long time.”

King Eberhart called out to King Melvin, who had arrived with Knight Order Commander Mildred and others as his escort. They had said they were old acquaintances, but… they seemed to be on much more familiar terms than I had imagined, like friends or something.

“I heard you were ill, but I’m glad to see you well.”

“Thanks to Theodore-dono’s treatment. I’ve been full of energy for some time now.”

“Hmm. It’s no good to talk standing here. First, let me have you guided to the guesthouse. Why don’t we have some tea there and renew our old friendship? I’ll also ask for introductions of your party then.”

Maids arrived and guided the Silvatoria members away.

King Melvin watched their backs, then turned to face me.

“I’ve returned now.”

“Hmm. You’ve all done well. First, Theodore… I must thank you for curing Eberhart’s illness. These words come not from a king, but from his friend.”

Ah. So they did have a close friendship indeed.

According to King Melvin, they had interacted more frequently before both inherited their thrones. Being fellow crown princes, they had discussed things like the mindset required for rulers, policies, ideals, and principles.

I see. It makes sense that both are praised as wise rulers, recognizing each other’s reigns.

“As a king… I’m not sure what to say first. I suppose I should be glad you returned safely. Given your mother’s situation.”

My mother’s situation. I had reported the gist of it via communication device. King Melvin seemed to have been somewhat concerned that Silvatoria might make her an offer to serve there. But when all was said and done, my mother’s relationship with the Sages’ Academy elders wasn’t actually that bad.

“Indeed, my mother wasn’t exactly disliked… but she has decided that Termwills is where she belongs.”

When I answered, King Melvin closed his eyes and nodded.

“…Hmm. I’ve also received the report about what happened in Silvatoria. It was the best possible outcome we could have hoped for. Though I didn’t anticipate you returning with a flying ship like this. You’ve done well.”

King Melvin looked up at the airship as he spoke. I also smiled wryly in response.

“Thank you.”

Then King Melvin turned to Princess Stephania.

“Stephania. You also performed your difficult role well.”

“It’s not my achievement. Without Theodore-dono, we likely wouldn’t have accomplished it.”

“The part where you earned the trust of Silvatoria’s key figures, starting with Eberhart, was significant. I highly value that aspect.”

“Thank you.”

That’s true. If we had gone to Silvatoria alone, it would have been quite difficult to meet King Eberhart. It’s because Princess Stephania has maintained good relations with Silvatoria for many years.

“And—Elliot Rodias=Siln.”

“Yes.”

“I’ve already received the report about you. Well done on returning. You may have anxieties about your current position, but this is your homeland. I will never treat you poorly for having returned alive like this.”

“Your words are most gracious.”

“I plan to hold important discussions tomorrow onward. I’ll contact you later regarding various matters about this incident. For today, it would be best to rest from your journey’s fatigue.”

At Elliot’s response, King Melvin nodded, then suddenly showed a soft smile. He then entered the guesthouse.

“Elliot-san, please feel free to stay at our house. We have plenty of guest rooms.”

“Thank you. Then… I’ll take you up on that.”

“Shall we head home then?”

At those words, everyone smiled and nodded.

We retrieved the carriage we had left at the royal castle stables and began our journey home. It had been quite an eventful trip… but now that it was over, I felt glad we went. With my mother’s situation, it felt deeply meaningful…

When my eyes met Grace’s by chance, she smiled back at me. …Yeah. Let’s go home and rest properly today.